“There is a reason that this Trust comes first. Today’s Knighthood, which we define as a meaningful, life-transforming commitment to the ways of chivalry, does not just happen by itself. It requires preparation.” -Brother Dean Jacques, Chivalry-Now

Most everyone, if not everyone listening to this video or reading this blog, is striving to better themselves in one way or the other. Those who have been doing this for some time, have started over many times throughout the course of their betterment.

One way to be sure that we are always working towards this ideal, is to ensure we are taking time to look inside of ourselves. Making sure that we are taking an inventory from time to time. Constantly challenging ourselves and the direction of our paths help ensure that we are maximizing our efforts. Being lovingly, yet brutally honest with ourselves.

Betterment comes in stages and depending on where you are at in your path, those parts can and will come to each of us in different ways and at different times. Many opportunities are found when seeking betterment in our lives. It is up to each of us to be on the look out and vigilant for these opportunities. Be mindful and ready to accept the challenges, once thru them, you will be better than before. Sometimes you Win and sometimes you Learn. Some times you win by reinforcing what you have learned previously. Sometimes you learn by doing and acting, and then learning how to do it better. Wisdom comes from acting with knowledge, this creates experience.

“…If I want to be free, if I want to truly be myself as a person, I had to shape my own potential. I had to develop skills and talents and intellect in order to live confidently in the world, discover who I am, and direct my life accordingly.” -Brother Dean Jacques, Chivalry-Now

Thru introspection and careful study of the self, you can begin to see those things that keep you from the freedom you seek. Many times, we are our own worst enemy, when fear and doubt sneak past our defenses. We lie to ourselves in an attempt to protect ourselves. This is remedied by being honest with where we need work. Often, we find many parts of this journey is walked alone. Enlightenment is found in the individual who seeks it, and each alone can only find their awakenings.

However, communion with those who study and walk your path, is something I beseech you to do as often as possible. It can be difficult at times for us to be completely honest with ourselves, and we should seek out fellows to help us grow and forever moving forward. In a group that I follow, it was suggested that you should commune with those who oppose you as well. Within the struggle, there can be much learning to be found.

“It is one of the severest tests of friendship to tell your friend his faults. To so love a man that you cannot bear to see a stain upon him, and to speak painful truth through loving words, that is friendship.” -Henry Ward Beecher

Surround yourself with those who will lift you up, but at the same time, will not coddle you for the sake of your feelings. Those who will keep you honest, but also, expect you to hold them accountable to themselves as well. Tough Love can be the greatest gift that someone can give another.

“We cannot enjoy a full, authentic life without taking strong efforts in developing the uniqueness of who we are and then extending that for the betterment of all” -Brother Dean Jacques, Chivalry-Now

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” We have heard that many, many times. If you wish to see the world better, if you wish to leave the world a better place before you go, then you first must make this change within yourself. If you are to make the world better, then BE better, seek this every single day. Defend against stagnation, laziness, absolutes, and dogma. Seek instead, knowledge, experience, open mindedness, and healthy sense of self.

Work on the individual parts of yourself, in order to strengthen your whole being.

Work on your body. Strive to be healthy by exercising, drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy foods. Learn a physical art such as; Martial arts, Yoga, Thai-Chi, or other body strengthening and self defense tactics and arts.

Work on your mind. Strive to learn and practice deep meditation and/or Prayer. Learn and study subjects from many different sources that not only support your beliefs and practices, but those that challenge your understanding, this will help you grow and see the world in a much larger way. Attend classes and workshops that help expand your knowledge, take this new found knowledge and put it into action.

Work on your Soul. Seek opportunities to be kind. Seek opportunities to be of assistance. Seek opportunities to commune with others. Seek opportunities to teach others. Seek opportunities to be YOU.

I will not tell you which of these are more important that the others. I will not tell you which meditations or martial arts are better. For each of us are at a different place within our paths. Try different ways to achieve these things until you find the ones that work best for you.

I will leave you with this…

“Chivalry-Now talks about the liberation that comes from exploring the ongoing, never-ending process of personal growth. Self-development is more than learning facts and honing skills. It involves character building as well.”-Brother Dean Jacques, Chivalry-Now

If you are interested in furthering your study of “Chivalry-Now”, I will put links in the description down below this blog. Stay tuned to the channel and this blog page as we continue to explore the lessons to be found within the “12 Trusts” of Chivalry-Now. I love you all very much, take care of yourselves and each other. Until next time…….Awaken the Knight Within!